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Extracting data from imported .step file

Extracting data from imported .step file

Extracting data from imported .step file

(OP)
I have been sent a .step file from a customer originally exported from Catia.

The part is fairly simple. It is a cylindical object, similar to a heavy walled pipe. It has slots machined radially around the circumference of the part. These slots appear to have 3 dimensional geometry in that they are drawn/cut on the circumference. I need the geometry of these slots in order to replicate the same feature on another part. I have tried using a 3d sketch and converting data but it gives me useless spline.

Also asking the customer for the information is not an option as it was from a previous designer.

Thanks for your help.

RE: Extracting data from imported .step file

Is it possible to have them resend as a *.iges or *.x_t file? If so, you'll probably end up with some better data.

Jeff Mirisola
Director of Engineering
M9 Defense
My Blog

RE: Extracting data from imported .step file

Sometimes you can do simple interrogation by using section views and evaluate measurement tools. It sounds like the geometry you're trying to grab is fairly simple from your description. Are these straight slots in the cylinder ? Or is this a curved groove ?

RE: Extracting data from imported .step file

Why is the spline useless?
Can it not be inserted in the other part and used to create a surface? Can that surface not be used to cut the other part?

Alternative 1;
Extrude another cylinder (non-merged) over the imported cylinder.
Use the Combine tool with the Subtract option to create solid bodies of the slots.
Insert those slots into the other part and again use the Combine tool.

Posting images of the part, or the part itself, would be helpful to see what you are dealing with.

RE: Extracting data from imported .step file

(OP)
Also the spline is useless because it gives me 2d geometry when I need it to be 3d (along the cylinders surface).

RE: Extracting data from imported .step file

JWID: Create axis on one of the filet end faces. Create a plane tangent to the object surface and perpendicular to the axis. Create a sketch on this plane. project the tangent edge of the slot onto the sketch. Save and use this sketch to create a library feature. On your new part create the plane and put the axis where you want it, then use the library feature or just copy the sketch. Then do a circular pattern.
wallah.

--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2011 SP 4.0
HP Pavillion Elite HPE
W7 Pro, Nvidia Quaddro FX580

RE: Extracting data from imported .step file

Look at the slot in the top view. It is simple straight lines and a radius projected 3mm deep from a plane parallel to Top Plane and tangent to the outer circumference of the part. 0.80mm slot width with a 6mm rad.

Very simple geometry to model and machine.

See attached SW2012 file.

Anna Wood
SW2011 SP5, Windows 7 x64
http://www.renderbay.com
http://www.solidmuse.com
http://www.phxswug.com

RE: Extracting data from imported .step file

By the way there are two bodies in the SolidWorks file. Your original imported step file and the new body I created using the step file as a template.

Anna Wood
SW2011 SP5, Windows 7 x64
http://www.renderbay.com
http://www.solidmuse.com
http://www.phxswug.com

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